Roy Jones Jr.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Roy Jones Jr. vowed to knock out Felix "Tito" Trinidad in the fourth round.
Trinidad promised to dispose of his rival two rounds earlier in their Jan. 19 fight at Madison Square Garden.
Trinidad’s swagger understandably drew the more cheers in the capital of Puerto Rico, where the former middleweight champion is widely regarded as the island’s top fighter of the last 20 years.
When Trinidad (42-2, 35 knockouts) entered Roberto Clemente Stadium for Thursday’s press conference promoting the 170-pound fight, scores of fans chanted "Tito! Tito!" and he raised his fists in acknowledgment.
Trinidad retired two years ago and hasn’t fought since losing a punishing bout to Winky Wright in May 2005, but said the hiatus will not affect his performance against Jones.
"I have had months of hard training," Trinidad said. "In addition, I have stayed healthy."
Meanwhile, Jones (51-4, 38 knockouts), who in March 2003 became the first former middleweight champion to capture a heavyweight title since 1897, said he was ready and in great shape.
"Tito is a great champion, but I will knock him out in four rounds," Jones predicted.
The 170-pound limit is 10 pounds more than Trinidad has ever weighed in the ring and five less than Jones weighed when he beat previously undefeated Anthony Hanshaw earlier this year.
Source: Jones Jr. says he’ll knock out Trinidad
